CONCORD, N.H. - Some 5,000 liberty-minded Americans have been holding an election, but for a state rather than a candidate, and the one they choose will be a laboratory for what they call the biggest experiment in democracy since the Revolutionary War.

Balloting concludes Monday, and the winning state is to be announced Oct. 1. Then members of the Free State Project hope to quadruple their numbers within two years, move there, and start transforming it into a national model for small government, few laws and individual liberty.

"Projects of this kind have been done before on much larger scales," says project founder Jason Sorens, 26. He cites the Pilgrims, the Mormons and the migration of liberal, back-to-the-soil types to Vermont 30 years ago.

With a Web site  http://www.freestateproject.org  as a forum, members last year narrowed their choices to 10 states with small populations, libertarian tendencies and other characteristics. New Hampshire and Wyoming are considered favorites, ahead of Alaska, Delaware, Idaho, Maine, Montana, Vermont, and North and South Dakota.

Supporters of New Hampshire like its relatively low dependence on federal money, lack of a general sales or income tax, and its "Live Free or Die" motto. The New Hampshire constitution also guarantees the right to revolt and does not prohibit secession. Project members say secession is not their goal, but that the provision could be a useful bargaining chip.

Wyoming scores for its tiny population, low property taxes, lack of statewide land use planning laws, and lack of "politically correct" laws such as those against hate crimes.

Strikes against New Hampshire include its lack of support for Libertarian presidential candidates and its relatively expensive political campaigns.

Though the premise of the project is that 20,000 committed individuals could be a genuine force in a small state, members bristle at the suggestion they want to "take over" a state.

"New Hampshire gets 20,000 new residents annually. So 20,000 people is not like locusts," said Vice President Elizabeth McKinstry, who lives in Michigan. "And in no state that's on our list will 20,000 people be enough to come in to 'take over.'"

Henry McElroy, a retired college professor and Republican state representative from Nashua, says the biggest change in the chosen state would be getting people involved in government.

"You should be reading, you should be studying, you should be doing a better job of understanding your place in society," he said.

Some free-staters have ruffled feathers by questioning the need to subsidize public schools and opposing laws against "victimless behaviors" such as marijuana use for medical purposes, prostitution and gambling.

That's partly why New Hampshire Democratic Chairwoman Kathy Sullivan considers the project "sort of a very fringe group that can best be described as anarchists."

One of 150 project members who already live in New Hampshire, James Maynard of Keene, has been recruiting in Massachusetts.

"With the attitude of everyone in Massachusetts, that freedom is just to their north, that would be a great source," said Maynard, 30.

Project members are mostly men and in their 20s and 30s. Roughly 10 percent are retirees; others are small-business owners. Not all are Libertarian Party members, but their principles are similar.

David Dawson, chairman of the Wyoming Libertarian Party, is a staunch project supporter. Dawson, 60, has run unsuccessfully for governor and Congress twice, and several times for the state Legislature.

"When you're a Libertarian without 20,000 liberty-oriented people in your state, it's not a race you figure on winning," he said. "But you get 20,000 people moving in here and that could change in a big hurry."

But Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal, a Democrat, "has never gotten the impression that many (Wyoming residents) would support legalizing drugs or using secession as some sort of bargaining chip," spokeswoman Lara Azar said.

Libertarian candidates haven't done well in New Hampshire. But University of New Hampshire political scientist Mark Wrighton says the Granite State might be fertile ground for the project anyway.

"The words 'Live Free or Die' pretty much explains a lot of what goes on in New Hampshire," Wrighton said.

Great post. I've heard about this project before. I am actually interested in this. The states are supposed to be "the laboratories of democracy" no?

Absolutely! FYI, we've got several fairly current FSP-related articles posted at present, if you'd care to read them. And if you'd like, I'd be glad to add you to the FRee Republic *Porcuping* list for news and updates relating to the FSP project. With the election results coming in next week, I expect there'll be quite a few articles showing up.

-archy-/-

4
posted on 09/24/2003 8:42:09 PM PDT
by archy
(Keep in mind that the milk of human kindness comes from a beast that is both cannibal and a vampire.)

What the article doesn't mention is that the GOP in N. Hampshire has welcomed the FSP, both the governor and the Chair were very positive. On the other hand, you have democrats in the state who continue to view anyone other than a democrat as a kook.

On the other hand, you have democrats in the state who continue to view anyone other than a democrat as a kook.

There are a lot of Democrats in NH holding their breath right now, and really, REALLY hoping that Wyoming or Montana gets the FSP nod. I think they fear the end of their well-paying party hack jobs if the FSP comes to NewHampsterLand, and that's just almost enough reason for me to hope that it is NH that's so chosen- I'd love to see the crushed NH Dems running for taxpayer-paid positions in the neighboring Dem states spreading alarm and despondency.

I was one of those who really pushed for a two-front project, going for it in the East and West simultaneously, but it was thought that we'd be smarter to put our initial numbers and other limited resources into a single successful effort first, and there's certainly wisdom in that, even if it does violate the *all eggs in one basket* principle.

But whether East or West, NH, WY or otherwise, we'll know on next Wednesday. And I expect that'll be a busy day for a lot of folks besides weeping or celebrating Democrats.

-archy-/-

6
posted on 09/24/2003 9:02:40 PM PDT
by archy
(Keep in mind that the milk of human kindness comes from a beast that is both cannibal and a vampire.)

You know, I seriously considered moving to NH after 9/11. I have family there. Actually, they're dems (Massachusettes people, altho' in all fairness my uncle has a very long attachment to NH and loves it very much), but you know, it's not here, NYC metro area.

They think the Dems are under assault there, but it seems to me they've been gaining ground. This might be a great beach-head for a counter-revolution. It would certainly be more appealing to those in the Northeast states under total LIBERAL ASSUALT then Wyoming would.

I would have loved to join this project, but I am unwilling to commit to move wherever other people vote, and so in good conscience could not join and vote...if they pick somewhere amenable to me, I will likely join them.

What are the property prices like in NH? I have relatives in RI (I've lived in HI and the west coast for 35 yrs) and from what I've seen, real estate on the east coast is unbelievably high. I'm wondering about rural property. If they choose, NH, I might want to move there!

I would love to see New Hampshire win. I have lived in NH since the 80's and more and more people seem to move here for the lower costs, recreation, and quality of life.

But... they bring with them the liberal politics / big government they are used to, it hasn't reached the point of no return yet. This would be a great time for a project like this to start, I would hate for New Hampshire to go the route of Mass.

As far as real estate, it depends on what part of the state. The southern part is pricey, but you can get a lot more for you money than in Massachusettes. Property taxes are a big issue here, they keep going up as some people keep wanting more from the government. If you want to live in a rural area, there are some deals.

What are the property prices like in NH? I have relatives in RI (I've lived in HI and the west coast for 35 yrs) and from what I've seen, real estate on the east coast is unbelievably high. I'm wondering about rural property. If they choose, NH, I might want to move there! NH real estate is fairly pricy -- in my town (Bedford), the average home sells for around $320k, but that is a bargain compared to many towns inside the 495 belt in Massachusetts. Since NH doesn't have a sales or income tax, property taxes are fairly expensive. But there are dramatic differences between towns. Some towns are stictly bedroom communities, therefore relatively high taxes, and others with industrial/retail bases quite a bit lower. I feel that NH is losing it's "conservatism". We're an island surrounded by liberals - all states surrounding us are "blue states". Although NH does attract it's fair share of conservatives, mainly liberals from other states are moving in and dirtying the conservative environment here.

Thanks - I'll try the search later when I have time. It sounds too expensive for the likes of me! My husband and I have 5 acres of woods and are (slowly) building on it, cost of land in SW OR was 35K. If NH prices can offer something equivalent (or cheap fixer houses), I'll start packing if it is the state chosen!

"But...they bring with them the liberal politics / big government they are used to, it hasn't reached the point of no return yet. This would be a great time for a project like this to start, I would hate for New Hampshire to go the route of Mass."

If these 5,000 people were to go to NH -- or any other state for that matter -- & build the place into all the good & decent things as set forth in their goals? How long before the riff raff would transcend upon 'em to sieze what's these people have earned & built for themselves?

That kind of coming would be inevitable, don'tcha think? Isn't that, essentially, what's happened in California?

There'd be no way such a move [read: invasion] could possibly be stopped that c/wouldn't be called "discrimination" of one form or another by the beasts at the federal level. Fact.

Would mean if push came to shove -- & I certainly believe it ultimately would -- Washington would dispatch US troops to enforce "the law," & do so by force, if necessary. The people would succumb to the will of the federal leviathon, or else.

Naturally I support this kind of thing 100% & then some. But isn't the fed threat why whenever this kind of thing has been discussed in the past it was reasoned the "target" would have to be another nation & *not* any single state within the United States of America?

Isn't it Washinton DC & its constitution damning influence that's the problem? Isn't it Wash DC what any freedom loving person is really trying to flee?

There's just no way any people(s) will be permitted to persue their right to liberty & happiness; IF, it'd mean ignoring the law(s) at the federal level.

Fact is, the way fed laws are written today, when it's all boiled down there exists no "right" of any one person or group which will prevent any other individual or group from destroying the another. To that end we've seen words &/or phrases coined like, "majority," "protected class" & such malarkey just so the fed insanity can superceed whatever the founding father's had plainly stated would be the rights & rules of the individual states.

Crazy as it is, our constitution's been horribly distorted to reinforce the fed monsters in 2003 America & there's not a lot anyone can do about it.

There's been more than one message sent over the past decade or so which has served to buttress the fed's authority and woe unto those who'd attempt to try this *liberty* stuff. Waco or Ruby Ridge, for instance, are but only two examples.

I think the feds have made it pretty clear they'll take no crap -- whatsoever -- from anyone, or state.

Would mean if push came to shove -- & I certainly believe it ultimately would -- Washington would dispatch US troops to enforce "the law," & do so by force, if necessary. The people would succumb to the will of the federal leviathon, or else.

I have lost a fight or two in my life, both in sandpit training sessions and barroom disagreements. But never to an opponent whose pants were on fire at the time.

-archy-/-

14
posted on 09/25/2003 9:48:33 AM PDT
by archy
(Keep in mind that the milk of human kindness comes from a beast that is both cannibal and a vampire.)

I would have loved to join this project, but I am unwilling to commit to move wherever other people vote, and so in good conscience could not join and vote...if they pick somewhere amenable to me, I will likely join them.

The efforts, interest and not-so-close-to-the-forest-that-they're-blinded-by-the-trees observations of those who are intelligent and thoughtful are of tremendous importance as well. And don't forget that the idea is for the effort in the pilot state to take root and inspire follow-on efforts elsewhere; maybe your location will be the second in the Free State Project, or the third, fifth or tenth. The idea is for Liberty in our Lifetime. And not just in one state.

If the winning State is NH can you imagine what that would do to the election primary scenario? What wiuld all the Presidential wannabees do if NH were to become more Liberetarian? Now wouldn't THAT be fun to watch!

If the winning State is NH can you imagine what that would do to the election primary scenario? What wiuld all the Presidential wannabees do if NH were to become more Liberetarian? Now wouldn't THAT be fun to watch!

That was very much one of the factors that convinced me that there are some real interesting possibilities among the Eastern seaboard choices. I still prefer the Western candidate states, Wyoming and Montana in particular, for the reason that the numbers work out better there and will offer a better probability of more immediate success. And that would bring in jump-on-the-bandwagon followers who could be put to good use in second, third and fourth Free States Projects...one of which should certainly be NH.

I really hate the idea of having all our Porcupine eggs in one basket. Once things are spread out and progressing, even if slowly, in seperate states, I'll feel a bit better and can relax a bit. Maybe.

-archy-/-

18
posted on 09/25/2003 10:50:34 AM PDT
by archy
(Keep in mind that the milk of human kindness comes from a beast that is both cannibal and a vampire.)

I think the feds have made it pretty clear they'll take no crap -- whatsoever -- from anyone, or state.

...who'd dare get in their way of "the plan."

That was, of course, also the attitude of the Communists ruling the USSR in 1990.

And a year later, you see what it got them. If it comes to that here, they can have a choice: go out quietly, like Gorbachav and the Communists replaced by Yeltsen, then Putin in turn, or go out like Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu of Roumania in December 1989.

Kingdoms fall.

19
posted on 09/25/2003 11:01:52 AM PDT
by archy
(Keep in mind that the milk of human kindness comes from a beast that is both cannibal and a vampire.)

I really wish we were doing both. If the numbers to pull it off at all come along, then I expect they'll steamroller along enough that we would have enough to do so. One of the contingencies we really haven't planned well for is the possibility that we'll attract numbers WAY out of proportion to what we've expected: What happens if instead of 20,000, we get 200,000, or a half-million?

That may be bluesky, but the contingency really should be better provided for. As is, I expect the decision to pour all our limited numbers, effort and finances into a single focal point is a wise one, but I'd really be happier with a back up plan to deal with overwhelming support, just in case.

Hey, lookit all those folks with the pitchforks and torches. And one of 'em's got a rope....

20
posted on 09/25/2003 11:10:58 AM PDT
by archy
(Keep in mind that the milk of human kindness comes from a beast that is both cannibal and a vampire.)

"That was, of course, also the attitude of the Communists ruling the USSR in 1990."

Yea sure, Archy. But there was an awful lot of misery between 1919 & 1990, too. Even so, I can appreciate your point.

"If it comes to that here, they can have a choice: go out quietly, like Gorbachav and the Communists replaced by Yeltsen, then Putin in turn, or go out like Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu of Roumania in December 1989."

Yes, an excellent attitude. I pray to God I live long enough to see such a scenario come to fruition.

"Kingdoms fall."

No argument there; &, who could argue this one's had "a fall" coming for some time, too. Even if such a fall were only to purge the past 150 years or so of misguidance responsible for taking the nation so far from the framer's original intent.

"One of the contingencies we really haven't planned well for is the possibility that we'll attract numbers WAY out of proportion to what we've expected: What happens if instead of 20,000, we get 200,000, or a half-million?"

IF your organization were to attract a half mil numer; or, for that matter 20 times that? I'd bet anything they'd be the kind of people one could expect order, cooperation & a spirit not seen on this continent for a very, long time.Your "problems" would be the kind one might find extremely satisfying, I dare say.

"That may be bluesky,..."

Maybe not. There'll be a lot of people watching y'all like hawks, &, I'll be one of 'em. The possibility of this dream becoming a reality is exciting enough, but, if it were to become a smashing success? It'd provide this citizen a golden opportunity to actually *see* which of my friends & neighbors are genuinely serious about the direction this nation's going, as opposed to what they've said.

"That was, of course, also the attitude of the Communists ruling the USSR in 1990."

Yea sure, Archy. But there was an awful lot of misery between 1919 & 1990, too. Even so, I can appreciate your point.

Worse, the Communists exported their misery to a number of locales that really wanted no part of a fight, just to be left alone. For their trouble they wore the yoke of Communist slavery and chains. For YEARS.

But not in Russia's neighboring Finland. When Finland's Communists tried to pull off their own coup there in 1918, it led to a 4-month Civil War, that left many of Finland's Reds dead, others jailed, and the rest running elsewhere for asylum. Only now, 80 years later, have the Communists and Communist appeasers achieved partyicular respectability and positions of power again. If it comes down to it, I expect the Finns will sort their problem out again without excessive difficulty. And there are lessons from them for Americans as well, Porcupines in particular.

-archy-/-

22
posted on 09/25/2003 11:59:35 AM PDT
by archy
(Keep in mind that the milk of human kindness comes from a beast that is both cannibal and a vampire.)

What are the property prices like in NH? I have relatives in RI (I've lived in HI and the west coast for 35 yrs) and from what I've seen, real estate on the east coast is unbelievably high. I'm wondering about rural property. If they choose, NH, I might want to move there!

"But...they bring with them the liberal politics / big government they are used to, it hasn't reached the point of no return yet. This would be a great time for a project like this to start, I would hate for New Hampshire to go the route of Mass."

If these 5,000 people were to go to NH -- or any other state for that matter -- & build the place into all the good & decent things as set forth in their goals? How long before the riff raff would transcend upon 'em to sieze what's these people have earned & built for themselves?

That kind of coming would be inevitable, don'tcha think? Isn't that, essentially, what's happened in California?

Well, it is indeed NH that's been chosen, and I've been giving your concerns some serious thought.

At Halloween a year ago, we had roughly a thousand pledged supporters, a year after signups began. Now, not quite a year later, we have 5500. In two years.

Given the present rate of growth- which has not remained constant- it's predicted that we'll reach the goal of 20,000 members in We will reach 20,000 members in approximately 113.7 weeks, at which point the migration begins [though something like 150 Porcupines are already NH residents, and several from nearby states are making the move now, without hesitation, just as I would have had Wyoming been picked]

But the movements are to take place within a 5-year timeframe after the goal of 20,000 has been reached, perhaps as late now as 7 years into the future...and recruiting and pledges will NOT be halted. What happens if they continue to more than double the numbers of pledged porcupines annually for 7 years. Or quadruple, or otherwise increase exponentially? Oct 2002: 1000 FSP member porcupines/ gain 1000

Oct 2003: 5,454 FSP members [as of September 10, 2003]/gain 3500

Oct 2004?

Oct 2005?

Oct 2007?

Oct 2008? [Election year!]

Oct 2009? [5 years from the 01 Oct 2003 announcement of NH as the Goal State]

If the numbers *just* double each year from what they are now:

2004: 10,908

2005: 21,816 [porcupation migration to continue until completion in 2010]

And the projection that the numbers will *only* double is a VERY conservative one, based on the last 24 months. I'm now not as worried as I was, but the Democrats had better be doing some fast dancing. It looks as if they could be in fourth place, not very good for a *major* party.

-archy-/-

29
posted on 10/01/2003 3:59:10 PM PDT
by archy
(Keep in mind that the milk of human kindness comes from a beast that is both cannibal and a vampire.)

Not that it would, should or could have any impact on this effort, hardly. Just that forewarned *is* forearmed; so, the inevitability of this happening, eventually, must be a high priority of the FSP planners.

Not that it would, should or could have any impact on this effort, hardly. Just that forewarned *is* forearmed; so, the inevitability of this happening, eventually, must be a high priority of the FSP planners.

They do indeed; I believe the NH Libertarian Party chairman John Barbiaz is a FSP Porcupine, or possibly, like NH Governor Benson, signed on as a *Friend of the Porcupines*.

I don't know what their numbers are, but I bet you can find out from the link. NH listed 242,028 registered voters as undeclared, 36.8% of their total, in the 2000 election, second only to the Republicans and well ahead of the Democrats in a distant third place. And soon, perhaps fourth....

Not all of those *undeclared* are Libertarians, of course, but I'd expect that most Libertarians are so registered. And it'd certainly be a good number for the Libbies to shoot for.

But I'd expect most Porcupines to register, if not necessarily vote, as Republicans.

-archy-/-

34
posted on 10/02/2003 8:25:57 AM PDT
by archy
(Keep in mind that the milk of human kindness comes from a beast that is both cannibal and a vampire.)

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